Musa Kart’s Trial Closes. Kart’s Statement to the Court

Renowned Turkish cartoonist Musa Kart was among the journalists from opposition newspaper Cumhuriyet put on trial over the last year by the Erdogan government. He and his coworkers at the paper, one of Turkey’s oldest independent newspapers, are facing charges of aiding terrorist organizations.

Kart said the following at the close of the trial.

“I’ve been drawing cartoons for over 40 years. I have witnessed different political eras and leaders in these years. In terms of law and justice this is the worst period of all. Since my release I have talked to many people, not one described this as a non-political trial. During this trial these rooms have witnessed the dignity of honourable and honest people. Those who tried to victimize us in a smear campaign did not know that our fabric does not stain. I have no further demand for myself here in this final hearing. I have to say again, the picture that shows opposition journalists, politicians, academics, and students in prison does not suit my beautiful country.”